Watched this game… just some thoughts on it.

As far as I can see, this team is a bit hit and miss. When things are going good, I am sure that they can play with the best teams in the tournament, but when things aren’t, it is almost like they can’t make a pass or hit a shot.

They did a good job of getting the 21 point lead, Levon Kendall being key… and then they give the whole lead up by several silly turnovers in a row- I thought I was watching a Raptors game for a moment there. A good amount of the turnovers were a result of sloppy passes to the post, when the defender already had a hand in front of Canada’s post player, or when post player hadn’t yet established post position. It seemed like they were trying to run a play by force without first setting it up correctly.

Credit to Uruguay’s shooters for the ‘almost’ comeback as their 3 point barrage at the end was pretty amazing. I would say that Canada needs to work on close outs and switching on the perimeter. Not sure about the lineups on the floor during Uruguay’s big run though, seems like Rautins sent out players who were a little slower to the ball and could not check Uruguay’s ball movement. Part of this is injuries of course as the team is a lot better when they have Anthony in the middle.

Other random thoughts. Good on Olynyk to stand up for himself against the taunting from the Uruguyan player. Cory Joseph is playing a little tentatively now but he will be a good choice as Canada’s PG of the future. Rautins also played very well, hitting some key 3s. Good team defense on Batista, rendering almost ineffective on offense. Hope to see Tristan Thompson on the team at some point- he would make a difference to their energy level and give them a lot more off-ball, second chance options.

Hopefully they can put out a good effort against Panama, and that Uruguay can beat Venezuela!

This game was a perfect reason why Leo should not be the coach. When Uruguay wanted a specific match up they ran ONE screen then got what they needed. The offense is pathetic. Of course we are short some key players and that would help but a better run offense with more flow would certainly help this team. The only good point I did see was out of bounds plays where we would almost get a clean look.

Triano to replace him?

SmithRaps Doug Smith: Raptors
Just on conference calll: Leo Rautins to leave as head coach of national basketball team.
15 minutes ago